Beam forming and beam steering using antenna arrays

ABSTRACT

Antenna systems are provided. In one example, an antenna system includes a first antenna array having a plurality of first antenna elements. The first antenna elements are operable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocol tin a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode. The antenna system includes a second antenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements. The antenna system includes a control circuit configured to control operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured to provide a secondary function to support communication of the first antenna elements via the communication protocol. In a second mode. One or more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beam forming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/865,450, titled “Beam Forming andBeam Steering Using Antenna Arrays,” filed on Jun. 24, 2019, which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to antenna systems for wirelesscommunication systems, such as antenna system for use in 5G cellularcommunication systems.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, IoT (Internetof Things) devices, etc. can be operable to communicate over cellularnetworks. Cellular networks operating at 4G are in abundant use and haverecently evolved to provide moderate to high data-rate transmissionsalong with voice communications in a stable and reliable network overlarge regions. Communication systems are transitioning to 5G protocoland networks. 5G networks can provide substantially higher data-ratesand lower latency, and can be applicable for voice, data, and IoTapplications.

SUMMARY

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or may be learned fromthe description, or may be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an antennasystem. The antenna system includes a first antenna array having aplurality of first antenna elements. The first antenna elements areoperable to communicate one or more signals via a communication protocoltin a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode. The antenna systemincludes a second antenna array having a plurality of second antennaelements. The antenna system includes a control circuit configured tocontrol operation of one or more of the second antenna elements of thesecond antenna array in a first mode or a second mode. In the firstmode, one or more of the second antenna elements are configured toprovide a secondary function to support communication of the firstantenna elements via the communication protocol. In a second mode. Oneor more of the second antenna elements are configured to support beamforming or beam steering of the first antenna elements.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of various embodimentswill become better understood with reference to the followingdescription and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which areincorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrateembodiments of the present disclosure and, together with thedescription, serve to explain the related principles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art are set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a mobile device having an antenna system according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts configuration of antenna array(s) in an antenna systemaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C depicts an example beam forming or beam steeringaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an example control circuit for configuring an antennasystem according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexamples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the presentdisclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part ofone embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the presentdisclosure cover such modifications and variations.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systems andmethods for beam forming and/or beam steering using an antenna array(s)in communication systems, such as 5G communication systems. Forinstance, an antenna system for a device can include a plurality ofdifferent antenna arrays. Each antenna array can have a plurality ofdifferent antenna elements. The antenna elements can be shared betweenarrays to either provide a secondary function (e.g., multiple inputmultiple output (MIMO), diversity), to support main communication via acommunication protocol (e.g., 5G communication protocol), or to supportbeam forming and/or beam steering.

5G communication protocols can be implemented, for instance, usingantenna arrays that are configured for MIMO communication and/orcommunication at higher frequency bands (e.g., a frequency band in therange of about 24 GHz to about 86 GHz). Each of these antenna arrays caninclude a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements can beindividually and/or collectively controlled to communicate signals(e.g., RF signals) in a MIMO mode (e.g., a 4×4 MIMO mode). This canprovide for higher data-rates and lower latency in wirelesscommunications.

An electronic device (e.g., a mobile device, IoT device, or otherelectronic device) can include a plurality of different antenna arrays(e.g., two antenna arrays, three antenna arrays, four antenna arrays).One of the antenna arrays (e.g., a main antenna array) can be used formain communications via a communication protocol (e.g., a cellularcommunication protocol such as 3G, 4G (LTE), 5G protocol). One or moredifferent antenna arrays can be used to provide a secondary function tosupport communication of the main antenna array. For instance, theantenna array can be used to further enhance MIMO and/or diversityoperation of the main antenna array.

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, selected antennaelements from the plurality of different antenna arrays can be used tosupport “beam forming” or “beam steering” of the main antenna array.Beam forming refers to the combination of different antenna beams toincrease the signal strength in a particular direction (e.g., thedirection of a base station) to enhance communication links. “Beamsteering” refers to dynamically steering an antenna beam such that thedirection of high gain of the antenna beam is pointed in a particulardirection (e.g., the direction of a base station).

For example, one or more antenna elements of the main antenna array canbe switched from being used to support MIMO and/or diversity to beingused for beam steering or beam forming. In addition, and/or in thealternative, one or more additional antenna elements from differentantenna arrays can be switched from being used to support MIMO and/ordiversity to being used for beam steering or beam forming. In this way,aspects of the present disclosure can have a technical effect ofallowing different antenna elements among different antenna arrays to beshared for supporting MIMO/diversity and/or for beam steering or beamforming to enhance the usage of available resources within the antennaarrays and to enhance radio performance.

As used herein, a “mobile device” is an electronic device capable ofcommunicating wirelessly and capable of being carried by hand of a userwhile in normal operation. Example mobile devices include smartphones,tablets, laptops, wearable devices, personal digital assistants, andportable digital music players. As used herein, the use of the term“about” in conjunction with a numerical value refers to within 10% ofthe stated numerical value.

FIG. 1 depicts an example mobile device 100 supporting cellularcommunication and having beam steering or beam forming capabilitiesaccording to example embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown,the mobile device includes a housing 104. The housing 104 can include aplurality of different surfaces (e.g., edge surfaces). For instance, thehousing 104 has a first surface 107 and a second surface 109 and othersurfaces (not designated). The mobile device 100 can include interfaceelements (e.g., touch screen, touch pad, key board, camera, microphone)to allow a user to interact with the mobile device 100.

The housing 104 accommodates three antenna arrays: a first antenna array110, a second antenna array 120, and a third antenna array 130. Threeantenna arrays are illustrated for purposes of illustration anddiscussion. Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosuresprovided herein, will understand that more or fewer antenna arrays canbe used without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

Each of the first antenna array 110, second antenna array 120, and thirdantenna array 130 can include a plurality of antenna elements. Eachantenna element can be configured to communicate one or more signals viaa cellular communication protocol, such as a 5G communication protocol.Each antenna element can be configured to communicate one or moresignals in a frequency band in the range of about 24 GHz to about 86GHz. In some embodiments, each antenna array can include a plurality ofantenna elements (e.g., radiating elements) disposed on a substrate(e.g., a circuit board).

The first antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120 areillustrated as being proximate to the same surface of the mobile device100, namely surface 107. The third antenna array 130 is illustrated asbeing on a different surface (e.g., surface 109) relative to the firstantenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120. In this way, theantenna array can be located proximate the same surface or locatedproximate different surfaces of the mobile device 100.

FIG. 2 depicts example configuration of the first antenna array 110 andsecond antenna array 120 according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. More particularly, in configuration 202, a plurality offirst antenna element 112 are configured to support main communicationvia a communication protocol (e.g., a 5G communication protocol). Theplurality of first antenna elements 112 can be communicate via acommunication protocol in a MIMO mode. For instance, the plurality offirst antenna elements 112 can be configured for operation in a 4×4 MIMOmode.

In configuration 202, a plurality of second antenna elements 122associated with a second antenna array 120 are configured to provide asecondary function to support main communication of the first antennaelements 112 in the first antenna array 110. For instance, the pluralityof second antenna elements 122 of the second antenna array 120 canprovide additional MIMO capability and/or diversity for the firstantenna elements 112 in the first antenna array 110.

In configuration 202, a first subset 126 of the second antenna elements122 are configured to provide the secondary function to support thefirst antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110. The firstsubset 126 includes all of the second antenna elements 122 in the secondantenna array 120. A second subset (no antenna elements) of the secondantenna array 120 are configured to support beam steering or beamforming of the first antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array110.

According to example aspects of the present disclosure, a controlcircuit can adjust the configuration of the first antenna array 110 andthe second antenna array 120 from configuration 202 to configuration204. In configuration 204, a subset 124 of the second antenna elements122 have been configured to support beam steering or beam forming of thefirst antenna elements 112 of the first antenna array 110. Subset 126 ofsecond antenna elements 122 remain configured to support the secondaryfunction (e.g., MIMO, diversity) of the first antenna elements 112 ofthe first antenna array 110.

The example of FIG. 2 discusses the configuration of antenna elementsacross two antenna arrays for purposes of illustration and discussion.Those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures providedherein, will understand that the antennal elements can be associatedwith a single antenna array or more than two antenna arrays withoutdeviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, theantenna elements 112 and 122 can be all part of a single antenna arraywithout deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. As anotherexample, antenna elements across first antenna array 110, second antennaarray 120, and third antenna array 130 can be used without deviatingfrom the scope of the present disclosure

In some embodiments, the mechanism for configuring antenna elements forbeam forming or beam steering in this example can be implemented, forinstance, by introducing phase shifts in signals communicated to theantenna elements. In some implementations, the phase shifts can beimplemented using delay lines that introduce a time delay in signalscommunicated using the delay line. In some embodiments, the phase shiftscan be implemented using a phase shifter.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate examples of three different radiation patternscorresponding to three different phase shifts implemented among antennaelements. In this example, the mobile device is configured to include afirst antenna array or one or more first antenna elements of a firstantenna array that generates a first radiation pattern having thehighest gain in the Y direction, and a second antenna array or one ormore second antenna elements of a second antenna array that generates asecond radiation pattern having the highest gain in the Z direction.FIG. 3A illustrates a first mode in which the time delay, or the phaseshift, is set so that the contribution from the second radiation patternis almost negligible, resulting in a combined radiation pattern havingthe highest gain in the Y direction. FIG. 3B illustrates a second modein which the time delay, or the phase shift, is set so that the firstand second radiation patterns coexist in phase, resulting in a combinedradiation pattern having the highest gain in the Y+Z direction. FIG. 3Cillustrates a third mode in which the time delay, or the phase shift, isset so that the contribution from the first radiation pattern is almostnegligible, resulting in a combined radiation pattern having the highestgain in the Z direction.

FIG. 4 depicts a schematic of an example control circuit 200 configuredto configure antenna arrays according to example embodiments of thepresent disclosure. This example illustrates a case in which a firstthrough N^(th) protocols, including a 5G communication protocol aresupporting with a first antenna 110 having a plurality of antennaelements. The first antenna array 110 can be similar to the firstantenna array 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. A second antenna array120 having a plurality of antenna elements can be used to supportcommunications of the first antenna array 110 by either being configuredfor a secondary function (e.g., MIMO, diversity) or being configured forbeam steering or beam forming. The second antenna array 120 can besimilar to the second antenna arrays 120 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Control circuit 200 is operable to configure antenna elements among thefirst antenna array 110 and the second antenna array 120 betweensupporting a secondary function and supporting beam forming or beamsteering.

A first through N^(th) transceivers 302 are associated with the firstantenna array 110 for processing signals according to the first—N^(th)protocols, including a 5G communication protocol. Other protocolssupported by the transceivers 302 can include a 2G protocol, 3Gprotocol, 4G (LTE) protocol, etc. An (N+1)^(t0) through (N+M)^(th)transceivers 304 are associated with the second antenna array 120 forperforming the originally intended function in conjunction with one ormore of the first—N^(th) protocols, including a 5G communicationprotocol. Other protocols supported by the transceivers 304 can includea 2G protocol, 3G protocol, 4G (LTE) protocol, etc.

The control circuit 200 can include a first switching component 220 anda second switching component 224. The first switching component 220 andthe second switching component 224 can be coupled to each other via aphase shifting component 227. The phase shifting component 227 can beconfigured to provide multiple phase shifts between signals communicatedamong antenna elements of the first array 110 and 120 to implement beamsteering and/or beam forming functionality.

For instance, the phase shifting component 227 can include a pluralityof transmission lines of differing electrical lengths that can serve asdelay lines that can be selectively coupled to one or more antennaelements using the first switching component 220 and the secondswitching component 224. In addition and/or in the alternative, thephase shifting component 227 can include one or more phase shiftersconfigured to implement phase shifts in signals communicated via thephase shifting component 227.

The first switching component 220 can include a plurality of firstswitches (e.g., transistors, or other switching devices) configured toselectively couple individual antenna elements of the first antennaarray 110 to the phase shifting component 227. The second switchingcomponent 224 can include a plurality of second switches (e.g.,transistors or other switching devices) configured to selectively coupleindividual antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 to the phaseshifting component 227. The first switching component 224 can include apath to be open, grounded or shorted to a component or module in thesystem, as represented by block 236.

The control circuit 200 can include a module 240 configured to selectone or more of the transceivers 302 to be coupled to individual antennaelements of the first antenna array 110 during a time period. The module240 can be coupled to a power combiner/splitter 242 which can beconfigured to select between providing signals to the antenna array 110and/or the first switching component 220. The control circuit 200 caninclude a module 245 configured to select one or more of thetransceivers 304 to be coupled to individual antenna elements of thesecond antenna array 120 during a time period.

A controller 244 (e.g., a processor, microprocessor, etc. configured toexecute computer readable instructions stored in one or more memorydevices) can be coupled to various components of the control circuit200, such as first switching component 220, second switching component224, phase shifting component 227, module 240, module 245, and powercombiner/splitter 242 to control the selection of paths/phase shifts.

The control circuit 200 can control the elements to communicate one ormore signals via a communication protocol by controlling module 240 tocouple a selected transceiver of the transceivers 302 to one or moreantenna elements in the first antenna array 110. The communicationprotocol can be, for instance, a 5G communication protocol. One or moreof the antenna elements in the first antenna array 110 can be configuredto communicate signal via the communication protocol in a MIMO mode.

The control circuit 200 can configure one or more of the antennaelements in the second antenna array 120 to be in a first mode or in asecond mode. In the first mode, one or more of the second antennaelements are configured to provide a secondary function (e.g., MIMO,diversity) to support communication of the first antenna elements viathe communication protocol.

More particularly, when one or more antenna elements of the secondantenna array 120 are used for MIMO or diversity, the controller 244 cancontrol the second switching component 224 and the module 245 toselective couple one or more of the antenna elements of the secondantenna array 120 to the appropriate transceiver of the transceivers304. In addition, the controller 244 can control the first switchingcomponent 224 to selectively couple one or more of the antenna elementsof the first antenna array 110 to block 236 (e.g., open, grounded,shorted, etc.). The controller 244 can also control components tootherwise decouple one or more antenna elements of the first antennaarray 110 from one or more antenna elements of the second antenna array120.

When in the second mode, the control circuit 200 can control one or moreof the antenna elements of the second antenna array 120 and/or the firstantenna array 110 to support beam forming or beam steering of the firstantenna elements. For instance, the first switching component 220 andthe second switching component 240 can be controlled by controller 2471to connect path(s) to the phase shifting component 227 so as to coupletwo or more antenna elements among the first antenna array 110 and/orthe second antenna array 120. The phase shifting component 227 can bephase shifts between radiation patterns associated with the antennaelements for beam forming or beam steering.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram of an example method (400) according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (400) can beimplemented, for instance, using the antenna system(s) illustrated inFIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order forpurposes of illustration and discussion. Those of ordinary skill in theart, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that varioussteps of any of the methods described herein can be adapted, omitted,rearranged, include steps not illustrated, performed simultaneously,and/or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

At (402), the method can include selecting a communication protocol forcommunication with an antenna system. The communication protocol can be,for instance, a 5G communication protocol. The 5G communication protocolcan require MIMO operation of antennas and/or communication in higherfrequency bands, such as a frequency band in the range of about 24 GHzto about 86 GHz.

At (404), The method can include configuring first antenna elements tocommunication via the communication protocol. For instance, a pluralityof antenna elements across one or more antenna arrays in a mobile devicecan be coupled to a transceiver to communicate signal via the 5Gcommunication protocol, for instance, in a MIMO mode.

At (406), the method can include operating one or more second antennaelement(s) to provide a secondary function to support communication ofone or more signals by the first antenna elements via the communicationprotocol. The secondary function can include configuring the secondantenna elements to support MIMO communication via the communicationprotocol. The secondary function can include operating the one or moresecond antenna elements to act as diversity antenna elements. The one ormore second antenna elements can be part of the same antenna array asthe first antenna elements and/or a different antenna array.

At (408), the method can include receiving a signal to adjust a mode ofoperation of the second antenna elements to support beam steering orbeam forming. In some embodiments, the signal to adjust the mode ofoperation can be based on a channel quality indicator (CQI) associatedwith a communication link between the antenna system and a base station.For instance, the signal to adjust the mode of operation can beimplemented to increase a CQI of a communication link. Example CQIsinclude one or more of include signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), signal tointerference-plus-noise ratio (SiNR), receive signal strength indicator(RSSI) bit error rate (BER) and other metrics, which are called channelquality indicators (CQI). Other triggers/signals can be used to adjustthe mode of operation of the second antenna element(s), such asexpiration of a time period, at regular intervals, when communicatingwith certain base stations, etc.

At (410), the method can include operating the one or more secondantenna elements to support beam steering or beam forming as describedin detail above. For instance, signals can be passed through a phaseshifter module including one or more delay lines, phase shifters, etc.to implement beam steering and/or beam forming with the second antennaelements.

At (412), the method can include receiving a signal to adjust a mode ofoperation of the second antenna elements to support the secondaryfunction. In some embodiments, the signal to adjust the mode ofoperation can be based on a CQI associated with a communication linkbetween the antenna system and a base station. For instance, the signalto adjust the mode of operation can be implemented to increase a CQI ofa communication link. Other triggers/signals can be used to adjust themode of operation of the second antenna element(s), such as expirationof a time period, at regular intervals, when communicating with certainbase stations, etc.

Upon receipt of the signal at (412), the method can return (406) andoperate the one or more second antenna elements in a mode to provide asecondary function to support communication by the first antennaelements via the communication protocol. In this way, communication linkquality can be enhanced through dynamic adjustment of second antennaelements between secondary function support (e.g., MIMO, diversity) andbeam steering or beam forming support.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific example embodiments thereof, it will be appreciatedthat those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, andequivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the presentdisclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, andthe subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of suchmodifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matteras would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antenna system, comprising: a first antennaarray having a plurality of first antenna elements, the first antennaelements operable to communicate one or more signals via a communicationprotocol in a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode; a secondantenna array having a plurality of second antenna elements; and acontrol circuit configured to control operation of one or more of thesecond antenna elements of the second antenna array in a first mode orin a second mode; wherein in the first mode, one or more of the secondantenna elements are configured to provide a secondary function tosupport communication of the first antenna elements via thecommunication protocol; and wherein in the second mode, one or more ofthe second antenna elements are configured to support beam forming orbeam steering of the first antenna elements.
 2. The antenna system ofclaim 1, wherein the communication protocol is a 5G communicationprotocol.
 3. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein the secondaryfunction comprises providing one or more additional antenna elements tosupport multiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode communication via thecommunication protocol.
 4. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein thesecondary function comprises providing one or more additional antennaelements to act as diversity antenna elements.
 5. The antenna system ofclaim 1, wherein in the first mode, a first subset of the second antennaelements are configured provide the secondary function to supportcommunication of the first antenna elements via the communicationprotocol and a second subset of the second antenna elements areconfigured to support beam forming or beam steering of the first antennaelements.
 6. The antenna system of claim 5, wherein in the second mode,a third subset of the second antenna elements are configured to supportbeam forming or beam steering, wherein the third subset has one or moreadditional second antenna elements relative to the second subset.
 7. Theantenna system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna array comprises a4×4 MIMO antenna array.
 8. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein thesecond antenna array comprises a 4×4 MIMO antenna array.
 9. The antennasystem of claim 1, wherein the first antenna array and the secondantenna array are operable to communicate in a frequency band in a rangefrom about 24 GHz to about 86 GHz.
 10. The antenna system of claim 1,further comprising a third antenna array having a plurality of thirdantenna elements, wherein the control circuit is configured to controloperation of one or more of the third antenna elements in the thirdantenna array in the first mode or the second mode, wherein in the firstmode, one or more of the third antenna elements provide a secondaryfunction to support communication of the first antenna elements via thecommunication protocol, wherein in the second mode, one or more of thethird antenna elements to support beam forming or beam steering of thefirst antenna elements.
 11. The antenna system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol circuit comprises: a first switching component having one ormore first switches coupled to the first antenna array; a secondswitching component having one or more second switches coupled to thesecond antenna array; and a phase shifting component coupled between thefirst switching component and the second switching component.
 12. Theantenna system of claim 11, wherein the phase shifting componentcomprises one or more phase shifters.
 13. The antenna system of claim11, wherein the phase shifting component comprises one or moretransmission lines of differing electrical lengths.
 14. A mobile device,comprising: a first antenna array having a plurality of first antennaelements, the first antenna elements operable to communicate one or moresignals via a communication protocol in a multiple input multiple output(MIMO) mode; a second antenna array having a plurality of second antennaelements; and a control circuit configured to control operation of oneor more of the second antenna elements of the second antenna array in afirst mode or in a second mode; wherein in the first mode, one or moreof the second antenna elements are configured to provide a secondaryfunction to support communication of the first antenna elements via thecommunication protocol; and wherein in the second mode, one or more ofthe second antenna elements are configured to support beam forming orbeam steering of the first antenna elements.
 15. The mobile device ofclaim 14, wherein the first antenna array and the second antenna arrayare located proximate different surfaces of the mobile device.
 16. Themobile device of claim 14, wherein the first antenna array and thesecond antenna array are located proximate the same surface of themobile device.
 17. A method of configuring an antenna system,comprising: operating a plurality of first antenna elements tocommunicate one or more signals via a communication protocol in amultiple input multiple output mode; operating one or more secondantenna elements in a first mode to provide a secondary function tosupport communication of the first antenna elements via thecommunication protocol; and adjusting operation of the one or moresecond antenna elements from the first mode to a second mode to providebeam forming or beam steering for the plurality of first antennaelements.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the secondary functioncomprises opering the one or more second antenna elements to supportmultiple input multiple output (MIMO) mode communication via thecommunication protocol.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein thesecondary function comprises operating the one or more second antennaelements to act as diversity antenna elements.
 20. The method of claim17, wherein the communication protocol is a 5G communication protocoland the one or more signals are in a frequency band in a range of about24 GHz to about 86 GHz.